You treat your dog like a member of your family. You feed him the best food, take him on a lot of walks, keep him clean with weekly baths, brush his teeth regularly, and make sure he attends routine checkups at the vet.

While all of these habits will help to prolong his life, some dogs, genetically, live longer than others.

Whether you’re in the market for a new pup, or you already own one, the following information about the life expectancy of certain dog breeds may be helpful to you.

Yorkshire Terriers

Yorkies can weigh anywhere from three to seven pounds and tend to live for an average of 17 to 20 years. However, Teacup Yorkies, which typically weigh less than three pounds, may not be as healthy, as they have more fragile bones, greater chances of injuries in the neck, hips, and knees, and a weakened immune system. All of these issues can lead to a shorter lifespan.

Pomeranians

Pomeranians are a toy breed that live 12 to 16 years on average. However, it is not a surprise if they live longer. Pomeranians have one of the lowest rates of cancer among the toy breeds. In general, toy breeds live longer than larger dogs because they don’t have to work as hard to keep their bodies going on a day-to-day basis.

Before purchasing a Pomeranian, a health screening must be done by the breeder to ensure that there are no existing health problems. You should also be cautious about purchasing a mini Pomeranian because, like teacup Yorkies, they are susceptible to injuries and sickness.

Australian Shepherds

Australians Shepherds are medium-sized dogs that generally live between 12 and 15 years. They require a lot of exercise and if cared for properly, they are typically very healthy mentally and physically. However, most vets recommend that pet owners test for hip dysplasia and eye problems regularly as Australian Shepherds are prone to both. On average, females are 18 to 21 inches long and weigh 40 to 55 pounds, and males are 20 to 21 inches, and weigh 50 to 65 pounds.

Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas are active little dogs that can live 15 to 20 years. Factors that affect how long Chihuahuas live include diet, genetics, and level of healthcare. Obese Chihuahuas are at risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which can contribute to the shortening of their life span. They are also known for having dental issues, so it’s important to brush their teeth regularly.

Dachshunds

Dachshunds, which come in the long and short hair variety, typically live 12 to 15 years. Miniature Dachshunds weigh less than 11 pounds, while a standard wiener dog weighs an average of 15 to 28 pounds. Just like Chihuahuas, obese Dachshunds generally tend to have a shorter life expectancy.

Unfortunately, many Dachshunds have to be put to sleep because their back is injured, and they can’t function normally or walk. As a result, it’s important to make sure your Dachshund is active and getting the proper nutrients.

Shih Tzus

Average sized Shih Tzus have an average lifespan of 13 years. However, teacup Shih Tzus are not as healthy, and generally don’t live as long as the normal-sized dogs. The ones that are the healthiest will weigh between 7 and 16 pounds, while teacup Shih Tzus will only weigh two or three pounds.

These smaller dogs are extremely fragile and may have issues with their health. In fact, the leading cause of death for Shih Tzus is cancer. As a result, it is highly recommended that Shih Tzu owners get their furry friend spayed earlier rather than later. This will reduce the possibility of your female dog contracting ovarian or mammary cancer. In addition, spaying your male dog will decrease his chances of getting testicular cancer.

By doing your due diligence you can optimize your dog’s lifespan, and ensure that he or she lives a long, happy, and healthy life – regardless of their breed!